SHORT BIO

Nashville-based Kellie Lin Knott is a playful performer and accomplished guitarist, writing songs of hope & comfort filled with tasteful grooves and soaring melodies.

 Kellie’s first full-length record was featured on NPR’s All Songs Considered, and won her spots on a “Best of Boston” compilation and Falcon Ridge Folk Fest’s emerging artist competition, 1st place in an International Songwriting Competition, and recognition from the International Acoustic Music Awards.

When the pandemic live-streaming boom began, Kellie became a key player producing and working on online shows for many of her favorite artists, including Susan Werner, Jonatha Brooke and many others, which led to opportunities to make more music. In 2022, she toured as Dar Williams’s guitarist. In 2023, she became a touring member in Beth Nielsen Chapman’s US band. In June of 2024, Kellie was a featured finalist (1 of 3) at the National Women’s Music Festival in Madison, WI.

Kellie currently spends time as a road manager and side musician (keys, vocals, guitar). Her last record, The World Awake, came out in 2016.

VIDEOS

The Dream (live at the Sellersville Theater) – words/music by Kellie Lin Knott with additional words by Paul Mutzabaugh

How Can I Survive? – words/music by Kellie Lin Knott

MENTIONS

“….a knack for words and voice to match….Her style is enthusiastic, yet never overpowering….sings and plays and writes for all she’s worth, which is quite a lot.” International Acoustic Music Awards Featured Artist, September 30, 2004

“Over deft, breezy instrumentation, her vocals sound splendidly assured….lyrics of considerable wit….and no little wisdom. More succinctly: wow!” Bryan A. Hollerbach, Contributing Editor, Playback St. Louis

“….perhaps the best moment is on Knott’s “Bring On The Rain,” a powerful ballad about a young woman asking for trouble so she can become a stronger person….” Rodeo Rob, Staff Writer, www.nudeasthenews.com

“I’m not surprised by how effortless and polished this album is, (COMFORTABLE). Kellie Lin is as creative as spring rains.” Ira MacDonald, Founder, Grand Marais Songfest,MI

“the best on the bill is 24 year old Kellie Lin Knott, whose voice leaps around like Joni Mitchell’s on “Another Verse”, a song about love that manages to refer to Hemingway, Debussy, and Monet without being pretentious. Knott started singing with her father’s Top-40 bar band when she was 8, and by now she’s a mature singer-storyteller. She shows her gifts on “The Usual”, set in a restaurant where a customer orders “the usual” as a way to “save my voice.” This seems to become a metaphor of regret for a life not going anywhere – and then the song turns out, instead, wondrously, to be about gratitude for a life with certainty. How’s that for insight at 24?” Alan Rosenburg, Providence Journal

“…This is the total package – great writer, sweet, sultry vocals and a very well developed guitar player. You’ll be glad you took the time to hear this up and comer!” Brian Wheeler, Marblehead, MA Festival of Arts

“She’s a great guitarist. Her songs are the ones that tend to stick in your head for days afterwards. And her voice – sweet and powerful and able to convey a range of emotions….great stage presence…” Meredith Tarr, House O’Muzak, CT

“At a very tender age, Kellie Lin has the chops and demeanor of a seasoned professional. A powerful guitar player with a sweet voice, she is destined to turn heads wherever she appears. A must see show!” Wayne Hamilton, Just Plain Folks

“…material draws from keen observation, insight and compassion….her voice commands authority.” John Noyd, Maximum Ink Music Magazine

“…Kellie Lin stands out as one of the best. Only a few study the craft of songwriting and take their songs to where the potential exists. Kellie is one of those few superbly skilled songwriters. She takes her songs to that level.” Joe Schreifels, thesongcrafters.com

“…beautiful voice, masterful guitar playing and lyrics…I’ve been torn between my hunger for hearing the emotion with which she imbues the performance of her music and my overwhelming desire to sing along.” Chuck Ellingson, Cream City Chorus, Milwaukee, WI

“…one of the most confident performers I’ve seen. Her voice soars effortlessly carrying her from crooning chanteuse to sultry vixen. Combine that with unbelievable guitar chops and expect your eyes to be glued to the stage. It’s obvious she loves what she’s doing, and you will too.” Stolie, Bloodshot Records, Chicago, IL

“…Kellie Lin is a creative songwriter, and a talented guitarist, employing a variety of musical influences and digging deep into the mechanics of altered tunings, weaving stories of social and personal issues alike, and not losing her sense of humor in the process.” Bob Jensen, Ginkgo Coffeehouse & folkrock.com, St. Paul, MN